Musical instruments can have curious and complex biographies! They often accumulate layers of wear, accretion, repair and modification, presenting challenges to all who come into contact with them.

This conference will explore the myriad ways that musical instruments have been adapted to extend their working lives, and the rationale behind such adaptations. What are the outcomes when new and old materials and past and present working practices meet? What values are relevant when we repair or change musical instruments, and how do we formulate an approach to accretions and interventions?

MIRN invites contributions from musicians, dealers, instrument makers/restorers, conservators, researchers and curators who have played on or worked with instruments that have undergone change, or who have themselves been agents in that change. Contributions may address general issues, relay a specific case history, or be a combination of both. Presentations may take the form of 5 minute (plus 5 minutes questions), 10 minute (plus five minutes questions) or 20 minute (plus 10 minutes questions) talks or talk/demonstrations. Panel discussions of 60 or 90 minutes, examining one issue or instrument from a variety of perspectives would also be welcome.

Following the presentations, MIRN will hold its first musical instrument Q&A surgery where members of the audience, who may bring (small) instruments or photographs with them, will be invited to pose questions to a panel of specialists. NB It will not be possible to accommodate questions regarding the valuation of individual instruments.

The conference day will be brought to a close with MIRN’s AGM to which all members are invited, followed by a social hour at a nearby pub.

All proposals must include the proposer’s name, address, email address and institutional affiliation (if any). Each must state clearly the type of presentation for which application is being made. All prospective panel members must be listed and their individual details included as above. All proposals must be submitted electronically as Microsoft or Microsoft-compatible WORD documents attached to an email. Acceptances will be notified by 1st July.

The conference registration fee will be £25 (MIRN members), £20 (MIRN members who are retired, students or unwaged) or £30 (non-members), to include all presentations, lunch, coffee, tea and a tour of the Horniman Music Gallery. Registration will open in July.